The Art of Furniture Arrangement

1. Take Measurements

The first step in arranging a space is determining its size. Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of a room. Or, a quick tip: measure your foot and then walk heel to toe across the room. It's an easy way to estimate the basic size. If you're running out the door to the furniture store, at least walk across the room and count your footsteps. Most feet are somewhere in the 10- to 12-inch range. Counting your footsteps will give you a rough measurement before you shop.

Always check the dimensions of the hallways, stairs and door widths leading to the space. This is the eternal challenge for the homeowner, being sure the entrance and egress of the room is large enough for potential purchases. Choosing a piece of furniture that can't fit through the doors is disheartening, to say the least.

2. Estimate Volume

Objects are like people—they have the same physical characteristics as we do. All have height, depth and width. For added visual interest, "people" your room with varying furniture of varying characteristics. If you are going for a serene, unchallenging area for rest or recover, keep the furnishing volumes in a room similar.

3. It's All a Matter of Scale

The size of pieces relative to one another and the size of the space is their scale. Again, similarly scaled pieces are more serene when used together, but a nice balance of pieces creates a harmonious atmosphere, utilizing the differing physical qualities of height, depth and width throughout the room. When furnishings are out of scale—say, the rug is too small for the space or one piece of furniture is really gargantuan—you'll notice that it just won't feel comfortable or right.

4. Create a Healthy Relationship

Bilateral symmetry is like the human body: there are two of everything. Asymmetry refers to an imbalance, such as two candles of slightly different sizes next to each other. Symmetry is very restful (example at left), while asymmetry is used to add visual motion and excitement.